• Exciting opportunity to work with lead researchers at the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis
• Located at the Madsen Building, Camperdown Campus
• Full time fixed term until 1 October 2023 offering a base salary of $76K - $103K p.a., plus leave loading and generous employer's contribution to superannuation

About the opportunity

We are seeking a motivated post-doctoral research associate to join the team of the Bioelectronic Nanomaterials group housed within the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. In this role you will have the opportunity to combine independent and collaborative research along with the responsibility to coordinate the research activities of the group. You will undertake work on an exciting National Health and Medical Research Council funded research project entitled "Nanoengineered Bioelectronic Arrays for All-Optical Control of Neuron Growth and Stimulation".

The major goal of this project is to create new organic arrays that can promote neuron growth and communicate with neurons by optical excitation of the arrays. As the project progresses, from successful biocompatible nanoparticle synthesis, to incorporation of physical and chemical growth factors, and finally to optical stimulation of neurons, the research will address 3 critical questions:

• Can the properties of organic nanoparticles be tailored to improve biocompatibility?
• Which optoelectronic and structural features control neuron interactions with organic nanoparticles?
• Can organic nanoparticles stimulate neurons with precise spatial selectivity without external power?

As the post-doctoral research associate, you will be responsible for developing electroactive nanoparticles that create unmatched control of the bioelectronic interface with living tissue. Strategies to achieve enhanced electronic contact between electroactive cells and the electrode include engineering nanostructured surface topographies and embedding selected growth factors into the organic nanoparticles and then controlling their in vivo release to further promote neural connectivity. They also will perform a comprehensive analysis of the nanoparticles and film structures using a suite of advanced microscopy tools, including cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and atom probe microscopy.

The Bioelectronic Nanomaterials group is led by Dr Matthew Griffith, a researcher in the Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (ACMM) with the University of Sydney. He has over a decade of experience in the applications of organic electroactive materials for energy generation, sensing and bioelectronics applications in both industry and academia.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Optoelectronic Device Engineering for Enhanced Neural Interfaces who possesses:

• a PhD in chemistry, physics, materials engineering, or equivalent; applicants who have submitted their PhD for examination or will do so in the near future will also be considered
• excellent proven skills and experience in synthesis and characterisation of functional nanomaterials and devices, particularly using soft carbon-based materials
• knowledge of, or prior experience in, characterising nanomaterial structure using imaging or spectroscopic tools such as scanning or transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), atomic force microscopy, X-ray microscopy (or similar tools) and associated sample preparation techniques including focused ion beam (FIB) technology
• outstanding communication skills and the ability to conduct high quality research with increasing independence and to present that work in an engaging way
• a strong track record (relative to opportunities) in research, including a body of work published in peer reviewed journals and/or conference presentations

In order to apply, please address the following two questions in a separate document in addition to your cover letter (which you attach to your online application):

Provide 2 examples (e.g previous experience, published works etc) of how your research has involved synthesis or characterisation of functional nanomaterials, particularly soft carbon-based materials.

Provide 1-2 examples of any research leadership activities with which you have been involved.

Other

For more information on the position and University, please view the position description available from the job's listing on the University of Sydney careers website.

Visa sponsorship is only available for this position for candidates who are currently located within Australia.

All applications must be submitted via the University of Sydney careers website. Visit https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us/careers-at-sydney.html and search by the job requisition number 0079329 to apply.

Closing date: 11:30 pm Sunday 2 May 2021

The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.